Crewman steers yacht to place of safetyThere is no such thing as a routine job for lifeboat crews. When the Campbeltown lifeboat was called out on 1 October 2000, it was simply to escort a troubled yacht to the safety of Carnpbeltown Loch. Yet this seemingly straightforward task required extreme skill, courage and initiative to ensure the safety of the five people onboard.The Ernest and Mary Shaw was launched following reports that a yacht, the Mirror Image, was encountering very rough conditions while attempting to round the Mull of Kintyre. As the lifeboat hurried to her aid, a Force 10 storm was in the offing and it was vital to get the yacht to a safe harbour before the worst of the weather hit.

As the lifeboat approached the Mirror Image's reported position the conditions were worsening and the crew found the yacht rolling violently in heavy seas. Deputy second coxswain David Cox, who was in command, manoeuvred the lifeboat to the starboard side and proceeded to escort the yacht towards Sanda Sound at around 3 knots.

It was extremely difficult going and by the time the two boats approached Sanda Sound, their speed had dropped to just 1 knot. Darkness was coming on and the weather was continuing to worsen. David realised that the yacht would not be able to make it back under her own power. He offered her a tow but her crew were in no condition to secure it.

David took the decision to place a lifeboatman aboard the vessel and closed in with crew member Stephen Scally at the ready. Thanks to David's skill and precision in manoeuvring the lifeboat, Stephen was successfully transferred tothe yacht at the first attempt. He was able to secure the tow and the lifeboat's drogue was deployed.

The yacht's crew were suffering the effects of their traumatic iourney and asked Stephento take over control. He therefore took over the helm and the two boats continued towards safety. As the boats cleared the lee of Sanda Island they encountered a large quartering sea and Stephen needed to use all his skill and seamanship to maintain control of the yacht.

The tow continued cautiously with the yacht surging on the wave crests and broaching occasionally until they reached the relative safety of Campbeltown Loch. David judged that the yacht could now manage on her own and the tow was released. The yacht was then able to berth * under her own steam.Tho Lifeboat Severn class lifeboat ON-1241 Ernest snd Mary Shaw TheCr«w Deputy Second Coxswain David Cox Stephen Scally Keith Wright David Colwille Graeme Flaws Stephen McShannon Ptter Raid Ailsa Clark Dava Ward.